California Poultry Federation Statement Regarding USDA Reports Of Increase In Salmonella Associated With Raw Poultry Products

MODESTO, Calif., Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- California Poultry Federation would like to reassure consumers that the recent government shutdown has not affected  the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) practices at California poultry facilities. Millions of pounds of poultry have been safely produced and consumed in California in 2013. There is no recall involved with the recent USDA-issued alert regarding the increased incidence of Salmonella illnesses caused by eating undercooked or improperly handled chicken. This alert is a reminder to the public of the importance of following food safety and handling practices when preparing raw poultry.

Salmonella is naturally occurring in poultry and is destroyed through the heat of normal cooking.

Consumers should follow package instructions for safety and handling guidelines for raw poultry and:

• Refrigerate raw chicken promptly. Never leave it on countertop at room temperature.
• Packaged fresh chicken may be refrigerated in original wrappings in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Freeze uncooked chicken if it is not to be used within 2 days.
• Thaw chicken in the refrigerator — not on the countertop — or in cold water. For quick thawing of raw or cooked chicken use the microwave. Thawing time will vary.
• Keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods.
• Cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer.
• Always wash hands, countertops, cutting boards, knives and other utensils used in preparing raw chicken with soapy water before they come in contact with other raw or cooked foods.
• Keep hot foods hot.
• Refrigerate leftovers immediately.

California Poultry Federation, headquartered in Modesto, is the trade association for California's meat bird industry, representing chicken, turkey, duck, squab and game bird producers and processors.

SOURCE California Poultry Federation